Dubai-based developer Meraas have started work on the third phase of The Yard, located in Al Khawaneej, which is set to add a host of exciting new indoor and outdoor attractions.

With the 200,000 sqft expansion expected to be complete by Q4, 2019, the new lifestyle attractions will complete the offerings at The Yard and transform it into a social hub where families and friends can shop, dine, hang out, entertain and have fun.

“Meraas has its sights set on the big picture and seeks to create enriching experiences for people to come together, connect and grow. This is linked directly to the communities that we impact through our presence. We look for opportunities to answer the needs of the community and The Yard has become, in many ways, the heart of a rich residential area in Al Khawaneej. Through making deliberate extensions to The Yard, we will give families in the neighbourhood more chances to spend time together. This is in line with the Dubai Plan 2021, which aims to make Dubai a city of happy, healthy and empowered people,” says Abdulla Al Habbai, group chairman at Meraas.

Hypermarket chain Géant will open a 50,000 sqft curated space at The Yard. Specially selected products from around the world will sit alongside locally sourced delicacies, providing the residents of Al Khawaneej with an authentic, traditional experience within a truly modern environment. Movie lovers will also have the opportunity to watch their favourite films at Roxy Cinemas at The Yard, where they will be pampered with premium services and luxury seating worthy of Platinum and Gold lounges.

The destination will also host new fashion and apparel brands, restaurants and cafés, as well as service providers such as telecommunication and banking. In addition, there will be a state-of-the-art gym and a fully equipped health centre, ensuring that both visitors and the members of the local communities have a one-stop destination for all their needs.

The Yard draws its inspiration from the collective nostalgia for the rustic, as well as the locality’s strong links to agriculture. In addition to featuring upcycled farming materials and other rural elements throughout the new space, an 18-metre-tall windmill and an attractively done street art add to the charm of The Yard.

The destination comprises Last Exit D89 Al Khawaneej, the food truck park launched in 2017, as well as a picturesque 350,000 sqft extension that consists of a courtyard known affectionately as The Barn. In addition to a bakery, air-conditioned and al fresco restaurants, dining spaces and a selection of shops, the destination features a lake with two bridges, including the Promise Bridge, in addition to shaded walking trails and landscaped picnic areas. The Yard will encompass 2.8 million sqft once it is completed.